Understanding the Global Plastics Treaty

KEY TAKEAWAYS The Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) of the UNEP is developing a binding international framework for managing plastic waste. Significant progress has been made at the 5th meeting of the INC with proposals of a plastics production cap, clearing existing plastics, technology transfer and financing the provision of the proposal. Several challenges may hamper the success of the treaty when eventually ratified including conflict with business interests, political and policy priorities of member countries, […]

Health And Environmental Challenges Associated with Plastic Waste

KEY TAKEAWAYS: Plastics are non-biodegradable and may progressively break down into smaller particles (micro and nano plastics) that can be trapped in water and foods without visible traces. Plastics can persist in the environment for 1000 years with only 15% of discarded plastics being recycled globally, highlighting inefficiencies in waste management. Nigeria generates over 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually, and Lagos alone accounts for over 34% (870,000 tonnes) of this. Given the significant […]

Emerging Trends and Opportunities in Plastic Waste Recycling in Nigeria

The Foundation for Investigative Journalism reports that Nigeria is now the second largest plastic polluter in the world only behind India. TAKEAWAYS Innovative Recycling Techniques: Densification: Enhancing the economic viability of polystyrene by compressing it into blocks, easing transportation costs and making recycling more profitable Plastic pellets and flakes: Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles are collected, sorted, washed and processed into pellets and flakes and sold to advanced recycling companies Pyrolysis: A waste to chemical technology that converts […]